A$AP Rocky Confirms Child Name Tradition on Late Night Appearance
In an appearance on “Late Night with Seth Meyers” on May 7, 2025, rapper A$AP Rocky confirmed that he and his partner Rihanna are expecting their third child, continuing their special naming tradition. The couple, who already have two sons named RZA and Riot, revealed that their new baby’s name will also start with the letter “R.” Rocky, whose real name is Rakim Mayers, indicated that the letter “R” has deep significance for the family, aligning with both his and Rihanna’s (Robyn Rihanna Fenty) real names.
The couple’s first two sons, RZA and Riot, were given names deeply meaningful to the artists. RZA was named after the renowned Wu-Tang Clan rapper, symbolizing their cultural influences. Their second son, Riot Rose, received his name following a prediction made by DJ Riot, who initially suggested that the couple was expecting a girl.
During his appearance, Rocky expressed his relief about finally being able to share the pregnancy openly, stating:
“It feels amazing. It’s time that we show the people what we was cooking up. And I’m glad everybody’s happy for us ’cause we definitely happy, you know.”
This marked the couple’s first public acknowledgment of their third pregnancy, following speculation triggered by Rihanna’s appearance at the Met Gala 2025.
Rihanna Debuts Pregnancy at Met Gala, Receives Widespread Support
Rihanna publicly displayed her baby bump at the Met Gala 2025, confirming the news and attracting international attention. She shared with reporters that despite experiencing some fatigue initially, her pregnancy has progressed well. In her own words, Rihanna remarked, “I’m good, shockingly feeling OK, and not too overwhelmed at the moment. At first, I was kind of like tired, but I’m excited.”
The couple’s joyful announcement garnered positive reactions from celebrities and fans around the world. Prominent figures, including singer Shakira, who previously collaborated with Rihanna, publicly expressed their excitement and support via social media. Additionally, fashion icon Anna Wintour, editor-in-chief of Vogue and co-chair for the Met Gala alongside Rocky, also voiced her enthusiasm and strong support during the pair’s joint television appearance.
These widespread positive responses underscore the couple’s popularity and the genuine excitement surrounding news of their growing family. The pair, who began dating in late 2019 and already share two sons, have been open in past interviews about their hopes to expand their family further, discussing their shared values and mutual excitement for parenthood.
Historical Context and Broader Cultural Significance of Celebrity Naming Trends
Celebrity naming conventions have long intrigued the public, often influencing broader social trends. Rihanna and A$AP Rocky’s choice to consistently use names starting with “R” parallels other famous families who have adopted similar naming conventions. For example, the Kardashian family famously chose names beginning with “K,” significantly impacting pop culture and societal trends toward unconventional naming practices.
The tradition of unique or symbolic names among celebrity families frequently becomes widely discussed and emulated by fans and followers around the globe. Branded with personal significance, these names often reflect creative expressions, significant personal or cultural symbols, or deep familial connections, influencing how society views names as cultural statements rather than just identifiers.
Dr. Lisa Brooks, a cultural analyst specializing in celebrity influence at UCLA, points out the broader implications:
“When celebrities pick uncommon names with consistent patterns, they often establish trends that ripple through society. The impact is not merely trendy; it helps reshape the entire conversation about identity, expression, and cultural significance attached to names.”
The naming choices by Rihanna and A$AP Rocky reflect a thoughtful acknowledgment of their cultural affiliations and personal heritages, potentially inspiring fans to similarly choose names considered meaningful or symbolically significant. As the couple prepares for their new arrival, public anticipation and curiosity continue to grow strongly around the specifics of the name chosen, underscoring the significant cultural influence wielded by celebrity families today.